LONE GOAN HOSTAGE ON THE SHIP HIJACKED BY AFRICAN PIRATES

MARGAO: The Pereira family is pinning hopes on the ongoing talks between the African Pirates and the Iranian cargo ship company to secure the release of the 22 crew members, including the lone Goan sailor Thomas, held hostage since February 11.  “We have been praying to God for an early end to the hostage drama and the safe return of my husband Thomas back home”, said wife Zenaida.
Putting up in an apartment in the Madel locality of the city here, Zenaida says that the company officials have spoken to her reassuring that all out efforts are being made to secure the release of the 22 crew members aboard the hijacked ship. “We have been praying to God since the crew members were held hostage by the pirates for the safe return of my husband. Company officials have telephonically contacted me and spoke on the ongoing talks with the pirates”, Zenaida told Herald on Wednesday evening.
She said the company officials have informed that the Iranian Embassy is being contacted to ensure the hostage crisis is over at the earliest and the crew members return home safely and unharmed.  “My husband spoke to me from board the hijacked ship for five minutes. He said they are safe and not to be panicky”, she added.
Sources said the Iranian Cargo ship carrying ore was hijacked off the coast of Oman while the vessel was heading towards Singapore from the UAE.
Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik told Herald from New Delhi on Wednesday that he has been in constant touch with the Mumbai office of the Director General of Shipping on the hostage drama. “I have also met Union Minister of Shipping, G K Vasan, who has assured that the hostage crisis is being closely monitored by the Director General of Shipping”, he said.
This is not the first time that Goan sailors along with other crew members have been held hostage by the pirates. In the past, sailors from the State working on the Merchant Navy had been held hostage by the pirates, only to be released after the shipping companies met their demand for huge ransom.